Our spunky, thoughtful, creative, helpful, goofball, oh-so-fun Xander is now ten! We were recently reflecting on his "gotcha day" and remembered how we said, "We're pretty sure this little guy is going to be student body president someday!" Well, we must have been right on! At the end of last year, 4th graders were encouraged to run for student body officers for the 2015-16 school year. Xander, along with 80% of the kids in his grade, decided to run. First they had to run against the kids in their class. Out of the 25 kids in each class, 3 were voted to move on to the school elections. Xander was THRILLED to be chosen. Then we began the work of making posters and practicing the speech he would give to the school. After a week of campaigning, the 21 kids that had made it that far gave their speeches in front of the whole school. One of the things he talked about in his speech is how he had been teased about his legs as a kindergartener and knew what it felt like when other kids weren't kind. He promised to be accepting to everyone and to watch out for others. Xander did a great job and after the votes were tallied, was one of 7 kids chosen to represent the school as an SBO. We were so happy for him!

One of my favorite things about Xander is his creativity. I will often find backpacks or laundry baskets or other containers filled with various items that he has been busy creating/playing with. He loves legos and k'nex and anything he can build with. But probably the most fun thing is his creative genius when it comes to cooking. Almost daily, Xander whips up something in the kitchen. This morning, it was something with noodles, jalapeños, and hot dog pieces-- lol! He often has other kids begging him to make one of his delicious omelets or fried rice (always with his unique twist) or meat wraps or salads. He wants to be a chef and I really think he has the makings to become one. On school mornings, the kids are typically on their own for breakfast (with the exception of those who can't help themselves.) Most kids go for the normal cereal, oatmeal, bagel, fruit, etc. But Xander almost always is at the stovetop cooking something or at least warming up left-overs. He makes me smile! (Even if his messes don't!)

Xander is playing fall soccer and had a game last night in which he scored TWO goals!!!!! One goal a season is what we consider an awesome season around here, so to score two in one night was phenomenal! We actually missed the first one because we showed up late (it's hard getting our family out the door!) When we got there, he came tearing down the sideline with the biggest smile on his face letting us know that he had scored a goal. After congratulating him I told him, "Well, you're just going to have to score a second one now since we missed the first!" I had no inkling that it would even be possible-- I was just trying to give him some motivation. So we were ecstatic when he scored a second one later in the game. His team won 3-2. So fun!!!

Xander loves ALL his siblings. He thinks it's the greatest thing in the world to hang out with Parker and Taylor and their friends. But he also gets along so well with all of the girls and is often a sidekick to one of them. He shares a room with Conner and has never once complained about helping Conner with whatever he needs help with-- picking out clothes, cleaning, finding the things he needs, etc. He is such a thoughtful boy. Of all the kids, Xander is typically the one I like to ask errands/favors of the most because he nearly always says "yes" with a super great attitude. Oh, and he's incredible with Molly and easily takes on most of the responsibility of having a dog.

When we fell in love 20 years ago, we started down a path that has been challenging, exhausting, and breathtakingly beautiful. Here we chronicle the blessings and stressings of parenting some pretty amazing children. We think they're the perfect travel companions as we look forward to the next fork in the road. Welcome to our journey.

Jeremy and Christianne

Taylor Jeremy--18

Parker Matthew--17

The red-headed social butterfly, he's our all-star athlete, top student, outdoor-loving, spunky second-born, with a heart of pure gold!

Jessica Anne "Jesi"--14

Our little princess with the big smile, Jesi loves fashion, friends, hanging with her siblings, and vacations. She sparkles!

Jacob Michael-- 6/8/2004

Little one of heavenly birth, born too soon to bloom on earth. You have taught us so much--we love you, Jacob!

Emily Anne "Emmy"--9/28/2005

Emily's exquisite little hands and feet have left their mark in this world. Her body was tiny, but her spirit enormous. We miss her!

Elizabeth Mei "Elli"--13

Elli's world may be dark, but she's the light of our lives! Lover of music, chocolate, and new toys, she fights a courageous battle with autism while bringing joy to all who know her!!

Gracelin Kate "Graci"--19

Showing true grace throughout her battles with heart disease and pulmonary hypertension, our Gracester is loved by everyone! She's smart, gorgeous, friendly, and has faith to move mountains!

Alexander Philip "Xander"--12

With a spunk and smile that could outmatch anyone's, our Xander has not let Cloves Syndrome get the best of him. He's a talented chef, a caring friend to MANY, our best helper, and is full of teenage humor.

Alexis Li "Lexi"--13

Meet the friendliest girl on the planet! Blind from birth, Lexi amazes all of us with her braille skills, determination, talents, but mosly by the way she spends her days SMILING. She is an angel in every way. We are thrilled to have our darling daughter home six years from China!!

Sophia Breanne "Sophi"--9

Her eyes called out to us from half-way around the world. Little Sophi is growing up and we would do anything to freeze her in time! She's beautiful, smart, and coy and can do amazing things with her toes! She has inspired people all around the world and we can't believe she is ours. Sophi = perfection.

Calais Rose "Cali"--17

Charming Cali joined our family in December of 2012. This girl is beautiful both inside and out. Born with spina bifida, Cali is confined to a wheelchair, but that does not keep her from enjoying life to the fullest. She is smart, opinionated, strong, and lovely in every way. She is a light in our family and a magnet for handsome young men!

Conner Allen-- 17

Meet our newest addition! Home three years from China, Conner makes us wonder what we ever did without him. Blind from birth, he will blow you away with his incredible talent on the piano. He is sweet, witty, girl-crazy, kind and finally, OURS! We love you, Conner!

The Dog

Baxter-- 6 months

She begged and pleaded and wrote letter after letter telling us why she NEEDED a dog, and Sophi finally got her wish! Meet Baxter, the cutest mini-audssiedoodle on the planet.